Yet another train fire has occurred in Cape Town. Yesterday afternoon two trains were set alight at Retreat Station. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the the loss of these trains have affected commuters who take the Southern Line. They have been experiencing delays all morning. Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services’ Liesl Moodie said:
‘Two carriages were burning at the time. While waiting for the power to be isolated, four trains were then burning. Firefighters are on scene and the cause of the fire is not yet known.’
More pictures of the #TrainFire in Retreat. Pics: 021 Drone pic.twitter.com/el84CDlbUQ
— Cape Argus (@TheCapeArgus) August 7, 2016
According to EWN, a total of six trains have destroyed since October last year, all in separate arson attacks. Due to the rising costs of repairs, Metrorail was forced to change its timetable, resulting in 30 peak hour trips being cancelled.
It is still unknown whether this was an arson attack or an accident, but what is clear is that every time a train goes up in flames the whole community is affected. Six trains are not a huge loss for Metrorail, it is a loss for the hundred of people who need their services. There are so many people who rely on the trains to get them to work. That in turn affects the daily running of many business that we all make use of.
Here is a video of the train fire:
